Grant McCann: ‘I’m not here to listen to anyone’s sob story’

Paul Goodwin

Grant McCann will not take kindly to anyone moaning and groaning about being left out of the team.

Rovers’ new boss has a few interesting selection dilemmas ahead of Saturday’s League One opener at Southend United.

Ian Lawlor and Marko Marosi have both put forward strong cases during pre-season to start in goal.

At centre back there is a tough choice between Tom Anderson or Joe Wright to partner Andy Butler.

Teenager Danny Amos is putting pressure on Danny Andrew for the left back berth.

McCann must choose between Luke McCullough and Ben Whiteman for the midfield holding role, while Matty Blair’s involvement might depend upon the fitness of Ali Crawford.

Alfie Beestin, Alex Kiwomya and Alfie May are likely to provide back-up for first choice front three John Marquis, Mallik Wilks and James Coppinger.

For those players not involved from the start at Roots Hall, McCann has made it clear what he expects - and does not expect - from them.

“The players will know the team on Friday and then we’ll travel down to Southend as a group,” he said.

“At the end of the day we’re going to need everyone this year.

“It’s not about being disappointed that you’re not in the team for the first game - because you might be in the team for the second game.

“I’m not ready for any disappointment.

“And I’m not here to listen to anyone’s sob story or anything like that.

“We just knuckle down.

“If you’re not in the team, you’re part of the group.

“When your chance comes, take it.”

He added: “Competition is going to be high just to make the substitutes’ bench here and, as a manager, that’s what you want as long as it doesn’t create any problems in the changing room and people start forming little groups.

“I don’t think they would because they’re a good group of players here and there are some senior players in the changing room who would keep that together.”